Partnership Overview
The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) and the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group (UHN) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft. This partnership aims to develop AI healthcare solutions that will improve clinical care delivery and support services across their organizations.
Key Objectives of the Agreement
- Integrate AI into clinical care and administration.
- Enhance support services across UHL and UHN.
- Incorporate AI into electronic patient records and core services.
Statements from Leadership
Richard Mitchell, the chief executive of UHL and UHN, emphasized the commitment to leveraging AI for patient care, stating:
“This new commitment reflects our determination to harness AI to benefit patient care and provide cutting-edge tools and support for colleagues. By the end of 2027, no time should be spent on a task where a digital or AI solution could do it better, more quickly, or to the same standard. This is about creating time for what matters most – caring for our patients.”
Future Developments
Will Monoghan, group chief digital information officer at UHL and UHN, expressed pride in being part of an organization that is pioneering the safe and effective use of AI in healthcare. He stated:
“Looking forward to working with Microsoft to build on our position as an exemplar site for implementing first-of-type systems.”
Microsoft’s Perspective
Jacob West, managing director of healthcare and life sciences at Microsoft UK, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“We are delighted to be working with UHL and UHN to further explore how AI technologies can transform healthcare delivery. This technology has the power to completely reimagine the patient and clinician experience.”
Recent AI Implementation
In February 2024, UHL launched an AI-powered chest x-ray solution as part of the LungIMPACT research study. This initiative utilizes Qure.ai’s qXR AI, integrated into the Radiology Information System from Magentus, to review approximately 100-150 GP-referred x-rays daily for potential lung abnormalities.